Part-time Research Assistant - MacArthur Foundation

Research Assistant (part-time)
Location: Chicago, IL, United States
Duration: Part Time

General Summary & Responsibilities:

GENERAL SUMMARY:
The Foundation is seeking to fill a position in U.S. Programs for a part-time Research Assistant who will work primarily with the Digital Media and Learning initiative, which aims to determine how digital media are changing the way young people learn, play, socialize and participate in civic life. Training and/or experience in education, digital media, sociology, and/or anthropology would be helpful.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
The Research Assistant is a position with shared responsibility (between two part-time positions) for conducting research and writing assignments in multiple program areas. Each Research Assistant has primary responsibility to work with one or more strategy groups to meet their research and information needs. In that capacity, he or she:

• identifies and tracks websites and publications of key institutions, individuals, and programs and provides summaries and updates of issues relevant to the program strategy;

• develops and maintains literature reviews, including ongoing production of annotated bibliographies for the grant strategy;

• monitors and reports on the activities of important organizations and individuals related to the Digital Media and Learning (DML) strategy;

• reviews and provides feedback on products, projects, and programs related to the Digital Media and Learning portfolio (including websites, games, virtual environments, and curriculum);

• maintains current catalogue of MacArthur and DML Grantee media, including video, articles, papers, books, games, websites, and other products;

• responds to information requests about the Digital Media and Learning initiative and fields of work related to the initiative (mobile devices, learning games, out-of-school programs, social networking, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education, libraries and museums, service learning, 21st century skills, etc.);

• prepares PowerPoint and other presentations;

• attends webinars, meetings, and conferences and provides written notes and feedback;

• collects content for monthly Trustee Bulletin and prepares and submits items for inclusion;

• helps organize meetings including scheduling, agenda/material preparation, and note-taking; and

• provides project management support for special projects as requested.

In this role, s/he fosters a team-oriented, collegial climate; demonstrates excellent performance and maintains high standards; and provides support for the implementation of program strategies. This role will provide a good opportunity for a junior professional who is interested in a career in the application of education, experience, research and analysis to the program’s grantmaking strategies. Significant exposure to one or more areas of the program’s work (education, housing, mental health, juvenile justice, community development, urban policy, economic security) is necessary. Little or no travel is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• A Master's degree in a related area is preferred. The position may be of particular interest to doctoral and postdoctoral students.

• Three to five years experience in research, information management, writing and communication is required.

• Must have excellent research and writing skills, broad knowledge of information resources and tools, and a well-developed ability to find, review, synthesize, summarize and evaluate data. Must be able to independently outline and manage research and writing projects and collaborate with staff at all levels to coordinate multi-person assignments.

• Excellent organizational skills and ability to establish priorities within work and manage multiple assignments are essential.

• Requires an ability to evaluate and analyze information as it relates to Foundation grantmaking. Familiarity with multiple USP program areas is required.

• Must have strong interpersonal skills and proven ability to function as part of a team.

• Demonstrated ability to work with colleagues in an inter-disciplinary group setting, including an ability to make effective connections across professional levels.

• Excellent oral and written communications skills, including the ability to write for a variety of purposes and audiences. Proficiency in graphics and presentation software and skills.

• Self-confidant, diplomatic and collegial, with high professional standards and good judgment.

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The Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and benefits from the various perspectives and talents of a racially and culturally diverse staff.

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